VOLUME 111 ISSUE 4
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February 12, 2015
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PCC Hall of Fame coach dies Ahmad Akkaoui and Daron Grandberry Staff Writers
Legendary former PCC men’s basketball coach and Jerry Tarkanian died Wednesday morning in Las Vegas, Nevada after battling health issues for several years. He was 84 years old. An alumnus of PCC, Tarkanian coached the men’s basketball program for two seasons, recording a 67-4 overall record. Known for his team’s swarming
defense and fast paced offense, Tarkanian coached the Lancers to a state championship in 1967 and a No. 2 finish in 1968. “He was a head coach for 38 years, recording 988 victories and is considered the greatest coach in California Community College history with four state titles between Riverside City College and PCC,” PCC statistician Robert Lewis said in a statement. After his successful coaching career at the community college
level, Tarkanian continued his success at the NCAA Division I level, including coaching the University of Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV) to the 1990 national championship. Tarkanian also had coaching tenures at Long Beach State and Fresno State and guided his teams to four Final Four appearances, 18 NCAA Tournament appearances and 778 university wins. Only twice did his teams fail to win at least 20 games in a season. He is fourth in NCAA history
with his .794 winning percentage on the NCAA Division I level. Current men’s basketball coach Michael Swanegan was saddened by the news of Tarkanian’s passing. “I watched a lot of his teams play and I liked his style of coaching,” Swanegan said. “I think he had a great influence on a lot of coaches because he revolutionized the game in a lot of areas, in terms of fast breaking and playing defense full court.”
Jerry Tarkanian
TARKANIAN page 2
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Softball coach ‘turns some heads’ School seeks
dismissal of $185,000 lawsuit Philip McCormick Editor-in-Chief
Mick Donovan/Courier Cierra Newton, Anais Sustayta, Derek Blow, Justine Zavala and Holly Riker Sloan pose behind coach Monica Tantlinger during practice at Robinson Park on Friday. Anthony Martinez Staff Writer
After biking her way to the softball field, she must unlock the gate near the dugout and the equipment shed. Not to be mistaken as a player, head coach Monica Tantlinger is ready for another productive practice. Entering her second, yet first full season as the Lancers’ head softball coach, Tantlinger has a history of coaching at the university level. A product of community college softball
I N S I D E
herself, where she played for Antelope Valley College before walking on for Cal State Fullerton’s team, Tantlinger eventually became a student coach for the Titans. Following her stint at Fullerton, Tantlinger was an assistant coach at UC Riverside for three years and another three years at Purdue University. Most recently, she assisted for the East Los Angeles College Huskies. While she enjoyed coaching at the Division I level, Tantlinger’s heart lies within the community college programs in addition
SCULPTURE Students mold 3D models and stepping stones for art careers
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to teaching. Though some may question her move from coaching at Division I programs to community college ones, Tantlinger prefers to build up the talent that will feed into higher levels of competition. “I started to realize that I love teaching, almost as much as I love coaching,” she said. “I mean, they really are synonymous with each other, so I decided to get my master’s and come back and help student athletes get the opportunities that I got from a community college
AUDITIONS Hopeful actors battle it out for legendary comedy play
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going on to play at a four-year, whether it’s DI, DII, DIII or NAIA.” For Tantlinger, coaching at PCC is somewhat of a dream come true. She can finally prove her abilities as a head coach and lead a previously struggling program towards success. Most importantly, Tantlinger strives to show her players that success is always a possibility. “I want them to understand that there are multiple ways to SOFTBALL page 8
The school is asking a judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by former vice president of administrative services Richard van Pelt last September, claiming that van Pelt failed to file his claims within the time frame required by law. Van Pelt’s suit claims he’s owed at least $185,000 during the time he was on administrative leave, before he was ultimately terminated at a Board of Trustees meeting in 2012. PCC’s lawyers argue that van Pelt’s claims were originally received in August of 2012, which the school “properly rejected in October,” giving notice to van Pelt. The district’s recent court filings claim that van Pelt failed to file his complaint within six months of that time period as required by law and asks Superior Court Judge Ernest M. Hiroshige to dismiss the case. The school’s response was prompted after van Pelt had filed a lawsuit against PCC alleging that the district had breached his contract and failed to reimburse his business expenses VAN PELT page 2
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2 COURIER
February 12, 2015
Mayoral candidate forum to be held on campus
Keely Damara Staff Writer
The Associated Students of Pasadena City College are hosting a Mayoral Candidate Forum focusing on issues affecting the student body including the possibility of expanding education and work-study opportunities, parking infrastructure and transportation. Scheduled for Thursday, February 26 in the Creveling Lounge from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., candidates will have the opportunity to give an opening statement about issues they believe are important to the student community. They will answer preselected questions from the student body and students attending the forum can submit a question at the time of the event for possible selection. Chief Justice Ryan Liu of the Associated Students said that they decided on a forum format as opposed to a debate as a way
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to give students a chance to ask questions important to them and meet the candidates in an atmosphere more conducive to conversation. “There are already a lot of debates going on in the city that are more – I don’t want to say confrontational—but they are more focused on rebuttal analysis,” said Liu. “What we wanted to do was put together a forum where students would have access to— potentially— their elected mayor. So we’re going to make it a lot more cordial. It’s going to be a lot more talking about issues that are important to the student population.” Julian Ramirez is an English major at PCC who plans to vote in the March city election as a newly minted voter, having just turned 18. Ramirez didn’t know about the Candidate Forum being held at PCC but feels it is important for students to attend. “I think it is important to see people who are running
VAN PELT
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while employed by the school. “… In the event that the board intends to act to terminate this employment contract prior to its termination date,” van Pelt’s contract states, according to the suit, “the District shall pay the administrator as severance pay…”
for something as important as mayor. It’s good for you to just sit there and listen to what they want to do and what their plans are,” said Ramirez. “You should go and inform yourself.” Ross McFarland, a 24-year-old history major at PCC and Tujunga resident, feels students should attend the forum although he has personally never voted in a city election. “It’s a good opportunity for people to actually experience local government, so even if they are not from Pasadena it’s a good experience,” said McFarland. “My reasons when I was younger [for not voting]— I just wanted to stick it to the man. Now I’m more kind of switching the way I feel about it and I haven’t switched far enough to actually take the initiative to go vote.” Associated Students President Jordyn Orozco thinks that students should get involved regardless if they are from PasaThe suit does not identify when van Pelt was formally terminated, only that he is owed money for the period between June 2012 and June 2013. Van Pelt’s suit also seeks court and lawyers’ fees he had to pay when LED Global, a lighting firm, sued him, Facilities Services Supervisor Alfred Hutchings and the district in 2012.
Erica Hong/Courier The First AME Church in Pasadena held a community debate for the mayoral candidates on Jan. 29.
dena, as their voices are heard in local government. “Pasadena has only one college district. We are the only college students that local politicians will hear,” said Orozco. “It’s ownership of making sure that you are doing all that you can to make a difference.” Pending confirmation from candidates Don Morgan and Terry Tornek, the forum will
TARKANIAN
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Tarkanian was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in September 2013 and was inducted into the PCC Dick Ratliff Court of Champions on October 6, 2013, where a bust of his head was placed next to many PCC greats outside Robinson Stadium. “It’s a really tough day for us,” said former UNLV All-Amer-
host all six candidates running for the position of Pasadena Mayor in 2015, including PCC Board Member Bill Thomson. PCC political science professor David Uranga will be delivering the opening remarks. A meet and greet with the candidates will follow the forum. The Pasadena Mayoral Election is on March 10. ican and Cal State Northridge head coach Reggie Theus. “The basketball world has lost a great coach and a great mentor, someone that’s given everything to basketball and meant so much to a lot of people.” Tarkanian is survived by his wife Lois Tarkanian, two sons, Danny, who played for him at U.N.L.V. and George and his two daughters Pamela Tarkanian and Jodie Diamant.
PCC supports assembly bill 176
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Interim Superintendent-President Dr. Robert Miller and Board of Trustees Member Linda Wah, along with legislators and community members, congregated at the state capitol on Jan. 26 to support a bill that would stop lumping various Asian ethnicities into one big label. Assembly Bill 176 calls for the disaggregation of API data to help identify underrepresented populations for health and educational services. “The disaggregation of the ethnicities within the Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities is essential in order to provide educational services required and to maintain an awareness of often significant cultural differences that exist among the ethnicities,” Miller said in a press release. “As a result, our college will be better prepared to serve the needs of these students.” Wah is one of the founding members of the CCC Asian American Pacific Islander Trustees/Administrators (APITA) Caucus and has been supporting this bill since she found out about it last year. “I was proud to be joined by PCC administration to show support for the issue…I think it’s
the right thing when we support the success of all our students,” Wah said. “If aggregated data doesn’t show there is a problem, then there is little interest in pursuing a solution, hence the aggregated data conceals the problem.” In 2009, President Barack Obama authorized the Executive Order reinstating the White House initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. According to the White House, “the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community is the fastest growing racial group in the country, growing over four times as rapidly as the total U.S. population and expected to double to over 47 million by 2060.” Nevertheless, AAPI’s are one of the most understudied racial groups in the country. “It has taken time to educate and create awareness that the API population is a culturally and economically diverse population and that there are subgroups of the API population who are not thriving in education and health, and are not receiving the opportunities and support to succeed,” Wah said. Currently at PCC, APIs are the second largest minority student population and many of the students confront the similar challenges as students from other underrepresented populations.
February 12, 2015
Courier
2014 JACC General Excellence Award-Winner
Editor-in-Chief
Philip McCormick Managing Editor Kristen Luna News Editor Matthew Kiewiet Online Editors Justin Clay and Mick Donovan Opinion Editor Hannah Gonzales Features Editor Mick Donovan A&E Editor Anthony Martinez Lifestyle Editor Ashley Park Sports Editor Daron Grandberry Asst. Sports Editor David O’Connor Photo Editor
OPINION
COURIER
Students have the right to know Two weeks ago, Coleman Griffith was the latest in a long line of faculty members exiled to paid administrative leave. Senior Vice President Robert Bell, who told the Courier about Griffith’s leave, retracted his statement, saying that it was a violation of Griffith’s confidentiality. The truth of the matter is that students deserve to be told when and why a faculty member is put on leave, even at the cost of the professor’s reputation. Coleman Griffith’s story is not unusual. He is the third faculty member in two years to be accused of sexual misconduct and the second to be placed on paid leave. Telling students what has happened to him shouldn’t be an issue. With today’s media, most students would have been able to find out anyway. However, administrators should notify students before
they have to find out via social media both for the students own safety and because it is the right thing to do. Keeping students in the dark and ignorant of events happening on campus is wrong. When students pay their tuition for a class, it is expected that a faculty member will be there to guide them through their assignments and to provide instruction on the required subject. A student’s tuition is what pays for faculty and other costs. Therefore, students should have the right to know where their professor is, if he or she is suddenly absent and why. Students should also know, in regards to their own safety. When a faculty member is accused of sexual misconduct it is a serious thing and students should have time to process the information and seek the right resources to deal with the issue,
if necessary. Keeping information from students delays the healing process and jeopardizes a student’s mental, and sometimes physical health. Bell should not have apologized for his comments about Griffith. He didn’t break any laws and at most he was simply informing students where their professor was when he failed to show up for his classes. The lack of transparency that the administration doesn’t want to relinquish to students causes a rift between students and the faculty at PCC. When administrators refuse to release just the basic information, students lose confidence in the authority figures that are trusted to keep the campus a safe place for everyone. What about a professor’s credibility? It is up to the law and the
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legal system to determine whether the accusations carry any weight. These matters should be treated seriously and everyone should remember that the accused is innocent until proven guilty. If the faculty involved is found innocent of any of the accusations then it is up to those who know him to trust that the investigation was a thorough one and have confidence in the final verdict. In the end, students should have the right to know about what is happening on their campus, especially if it affects them. They rely on their instructors to be professional and teach them to the fullest extent of their abilities. Withholding information, in the long run, only distances students from the very people they are supposed to trust with their well-being.
Nagisa Mihara Online Photo and Graphics Editor Daniel Valencia Scene Editor Keely Damara Staff Writers:
Ahmad Akkaoui, Daniel Axume,
Nataly Chavez, Alex Chhuon, Keely
Damara, Alan Flores, Monique LeBleu, Diego Linares, Samantha Molina,
Neil Protacio, Luis Rodriguez, Aaron Salazar, Sammy Wu
Staff Photographers:
Brittany Chavez, Traece Craig, Victoria De La Torre, Mick Donovan, Shaunee Edwards, Michelle Gonzalez, Eric
Haynes, Erica Hong, Kristen Luna,
Mary Nurrenbern, Michael Osborne,
Scott Spencer, Daniel Valencia, Tiffany Yip, Max Zeronian Faculty Adviser Nathan McIntire Photo Adviser Tim Berger
Advertising Manager Daniel Nerio
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The Courier is written and produced as a learning experience for student
Cartoon by Mick Donovan
Throwing shade at ‘50 Shades of Grey’ Anthony Martinez Staff Writer
There’s nothing more romantic than sexually charged torture, right? At least that seems to be the message behind “Fifty Shades of Grey” with its copious amount of BDSM-related scenes. The movie, based on the first installment of the “Fifty Shades” trilogy of the same name, hopes to pique the interest of women around the globe this upcoming Valentine’s Day with its steamy depiction of intimate moments. However popular the series is with its target audience, the main sequence of events is rather frightening and can only be an uncomfortable viewing experience. The first few interactions between main characters Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey are more than enough to raise a red flag. In the scene between
VOICES:
the two in Grey’s apartment, he mentions the signing of a nondisclosure agreement forbidding Steele telling anyone about their interactions before revealing his room of bondage equipment. As if that exchange wasn’t unrealistic enough, the plot devolves into Steele realizing this may not be the type of relationship she wants and leaves. Yet, she runs back to Grey after a period of time, going so far as to openly ask him to deliver punishment, in order to prove she can handle the relationship. Poor plot development aside, the sexual encounters increasingly become abusive and it’s clear that this relationship is not based in romance, but on power. Critics of the series, like Morality in Media, an anti-pornography organization, have issues with the film’s rating description. Ideally, Morality in Media would change the description so it would state the film “promotes torture as sexually gratifying …
encourages stalking and abuse of power, promotes female inequality, glamorizes and legitimizes violence against women.” Another response to the series comes in the form of a Facebook boycott campaign called “50 Dollars Not 50 Shades” which encourages the public to donate to domestic violence shelters instead. Jamie Dornan, who plays Grey in the film, addressed misogynistic criticism by stating the picture is not sexist however one-sided the on-screen relationship looks. Additionally, Dornan believes the BDSM scenes are less important than the “love story” that the movie presents. Of course, Dornan is one of the stars of the feature, he’d defend his work through thick and thin. Looking through a feminist lens it’s easy to understand why there’s been such a divide between supporters of the series and those who vehemently oppose the titles. When any plot
boils down to a woman going through increasingly painful situations dealt by a man, the work essentially reinstates patriarchal values. Yes, there is consent between the two characters (however strange the exchange is), which is one important component of feminism, but the fact that the back cover synopsis of the first novel describes Grey as intimidating and that Steele is drawn to this trait, is problematic. The whole basis for this relationship is unhealthy; no one should be in a relationship with a person that makes them feel intimidated or uncomfortable. Though “Fifty Shades” has a negative reputation, there is one positive aspect to the adult oriented collection. It’s a great example of everything aspiring fiction authors should avoid: poor characterization, shock value plotlines, and painfully unrealistic narratives.
Do students have the right to know if, and why an instructor is placed on paid administrative leave?
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“Yes, because we don’t want to be clueless about the situation. After a few days, people would notice the instructor was gone. ”
Guadalupe Chavez, business
“I don’t think so. They have a right to their privacy, especially about serious matters.”
Justin Abril, music
“We have a right to know what’s going on. We’re in college, most of us are adults, we won’t run off and pass judgement.”
“Yes, if you’re in the class with the instructor and it happens to be an issue of safety.”
“No, because people might automatically assume guilt. They deserve a right to privacy.”
Jason Lozano, music Justin Absher, graphic Ninet Poshtvar, interior design design Reporting by: Justin Clay Photos by: Shaunee Edwards
4 COURIER
SCENE
Max Zeronian/Courier The Flowerman florist shop prepares for Valentine’s Day on Tuesday in Pasadena.
Erica Hong/Courier A festive foam art latte designed for Valentine’s Day at Lavender and Honey coffee shop on the corner of Washington Boulevard and Hill Avenue in Pasadena on Tuesday.
Erica Hong/Courier Handmade keepsakes are displayed at Color Me Mine in Old Town Pasadena on Monday. The shop has Valentine’s Day themed activities to craft with friends, family or your valentine all week long. Mick Donovan/Courier Nicholas Lopez, Catherine Molina, Jeancarlo Escobar, Steven Hernandez and Kevin Vasquez of Chicanos/Latinos Advancing in the Values of Education (CLAVE) sell “heartgrams” to students in the quad at PCC on Tuesday.
Tiffany Yip/Courier Valentine’s Day cakes are displayed at Whole Foods Market on Foothill Boulevard in Pasadena on Friday.
Erica Hong/Courier Jacob Maarse Florist of Pasadena displays flower arrangements on Tuesday to fit every budget.
February 12, 2015
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6 COURIER
FEATURES
February 12, 2015
Sculpting class provides artistic stepping-stone Neil Protacio Staff Writer
Creativity and imagination can come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and colors. And if you’re using someone like Sebastian Rosseaux as your muse, it even comes nude. A five-year veteran of nude modeling, Rosseaux has posed for community colleges and art programs all over Southern California. Originally a seller of vintage clothes, nude modeling was a hobby that supplied extra income. He said he’s even pulled 9 straight hours in a single night. “The first time wasn’t so bad because it was just a small group of people at Pierce College,” Rosseaux recalls. “They were older students, so I felt they weren’t as judgy. And then I was working at a place in the valley called Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Arts, and I remember being up there and it hit me, ‘Oh my God, I’m naked. How did I get here?’” Last Wednesday, he felt right at home in Z102, which houses the Figure Sculpting class taught by John Thomas Hunsucker. “I don’t think about being naked anymore,” Rosseaux said. “It’s nice to inspire future artists. I still look forward to [modeling].” In a brightly lit room, Rosseaux took his spot in the middle of the class, flanked by two heaters. Surrounding him were students who carefully treaded their fingers over a foot-long figure molded out of clay. Every once and a while, the students would look up to observe Rosseaux, who was leaned up against a tall pole. But it wasn’t so much of a quiet art shop, as Hunsucker seemed to allow students to walk around and observe each other’s work. “I love PCC,” Rosseaux said about his experiences at the college. “Thomas is such a great, master sculptor.” It is through the likes of Rosseaux that art students in Hunsucker’s class will learn all types of techniques in creating objects. “A lot of students haven’t made any objects before,” Hunsucker said. “This class is useful in that people get to make things. They learn the process of making things out of moldable clay and casting them in different material.” The class is interspersed with four major projects: a self-portrait, a torso, a standing figure at 18 to 20 inches tall, and finally a sculpture in which a model is simply used as an inspiration for a departure point to create something of their imagination. “I like to tell them that what I’m teaching them is how to make elbows and noses and chins,” Hunsucker said. “The final project is where they get to teach me something about art.” Lighting that creative spark is a fuse Hunsucker aims to
Photos by Kristen Luna/Courier Nude model Sebastain Rosseaux poses while instructor John Thomas Hunsucker helps a student with his sculpture in room Z102 on Feb. 4. The Figure Sculpture class is a study and exploration of the basic principles, materials and techniques in dealing with expressive contemporary solutions to figure sculpture.
strike this semester. The class, although using humans as their models, is not strictly bound to real human anatomy. Some students use this class as an opportunity to create their own prototypes, be it vehicles or furniture. Whatever it is, Hunsucker wants that connection to come from their minds. “I like to call it analog medium,” Hunsucker said. “Analog medium comes from your mind out through the ends of your finger tips as opposed to doing it on a computer, digitally. They’ll learn that too, but this is the fastest way to prototype.” Entertainment art major Katherine Saludes is doing exactly that this semester, but for a different medium. “I’ve been figure drawing for a year now,” Saludes said. “I’m in this class because I want to imagine how things will look in 3D before I draw it out on paper.” On that same spectrum of art, graphic design major Alexandra Pedraza boasts a portfolio filled with surreal and abstract acrylic paintings. Art is in her blood, after all. She had gone to an art high school in downtown Los Angeles called Grand Arts, and had grown up with artists in the family. “I’m taking this class for the experience,” said Pedraza. “I definitely want to make pieces, but more than anything, I want to put them in my portfolio.” What’s interesting about this class is that it not only arms students with perspective, but it’s also helping other students rediscover a passion that may have
burned out. Take for example Hakob Baghdasaryan, whose history with art spans about 40 years. Baghdasaryan has worked with stone, wood, metal – almost everything, he said. But this was the first time he’s worked with clay. So far, he says, he loves it and is excited to start on the projects. “I love all types of art,” Baghdasaryan said. “But I don’t have a lot of time. I was always starting, and then stopping, and then starting, and then stopping.” Peggy Dallas has been an architect for about 25 years, but felt it was time for a career change. She said she felt art was really her true calling. “I had my worries – financially,” Dallas said. “It’s risky. It doesn’t matter if you’re 20 or 60.” Dallas, at first, approached the class with a bit of reluctance, and even came close to backing out on the very first day of school. “I felt silly going back to school,” she said. “But I got excited over the quality of talent in this class. You work on yours, but looking at others inspires you. It’s so energizing, invigorating.” Peter Garnica, on the other hand, worked in the justice system for 20 years before deciding that he wanted to do something with art. With his work experience, which includes brushing up with politics, he posed the question: how do we transfer these ideas into artistic expression? He’s already made a few installations, some featured at PCC in
fact, that meshes political ideas into art. So why is he taking Figure Sculpting at PCC? Because of it’s classic approach to art. “In a lot of schools, you’re not getting any of this. The ideas are more conceptual now,” Garnica said. “A lot of people don’t care about this stuff. Sculpting, 75 years ago, would be considered academic. Unless you’re an illustrator or something, you don’t do this anymore. “I happen to believe that if you want to bend the rules, you have to know them first,” he said. “If you want to do all the other stuff, you have to learn how to do this stuff.” It’s a refreshing start for both
art students, and those who are transitioning from one career to another. And if there’s anyone who’s just as excited to help bolster spirits and inspiration, it’s Hunsucker himself. Hunsucker was a trial attorney for 40 years. He arrived at PCC as a student in 1985 and took as many art classes he could. He then volunteered to help teach classes and eventually got his own sections as an adjunct instructor. “There’s some things you do for a living,” Hunsucker said of his career as a trial lawyer. “But there are things you do for the soul. Sculpting is one of those things you do for the soul.”
A&E
February 12, 2015
COURIER
Students audition to serve ‘Two Masters’ Sammy Wu Staff Writer
Anita Adcock, a professor for the Visual, Media, and Performing Arts Division of Pasadena City College, is undertaking one of her greatest projects in her fourteen years of teaching: directing a live production of Carlo Goldoni’s “Servant of Two Masters,” which is set to debut in late April. This must-see event has student actors performing amazing acrobatic tricks, such as tumbling and jumping off high points, as well as enchanting the audience with their whimsical charm. “The Servant of Two Masters” is a complicated yet rather amusing play centered on a servant, Truffaldino, working for two masters, Beatrice and Florindo. Beatrice had just arrived to the city, Venice, disguised as her dead brother to find her lover and the person who killed him, Florindo. Challenges arise when Truffaldino runs through town performing errands for his two bosses, and he is almost uncovered on several occasions. People are constantly handing him money and letters without specifying whom to give it to. To make matters worse, Beatrice and Florindo happen to stay in
the same hotel and are searching for one another. The problem eventually gets so bad that Truffaldino develops a stammer, which leads many people to have further speculations. “It’s a Renaissance Italian theater style that’s larger than life,” Adcock said. ”Everything’s larger than life. It’s very physical. It gave us the word slapstick comedy.” “There’s a lot of skills that (I) need from the actor, but the important thing is that they understand the style,” adds Adcock. “They have to understand that this is huge energy. They can’t be laid back, modern film acting.” As of right now, Adcock is holding rehearsals three to four times a week, but as April approaches, the actors will meet everyday of the week. Adcock needs committed students who are just as dedicated to the play as they are with their schoolwork. In fact, everyone who gets casted will have to enroll in a Rehearsal and Performance class, for which they will receive a grade. “It is hard work and it can get tiring, but I love what I do because I get to live out a story and make people laugh,” said Naomi Celements Gettman, a radio
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Mary A. Nurrenbern/Courier Theater arts majors Stephanie Lopez and Kelvin Morales audition at callbacks for “The Servant of Two Masters” in CA134.
television major. “I feel like I am at home when I am on stage; I feel confident.” Another actress, Gabrielle Coulson, an English Literature major said she wanted to be part of the play “because I love storytelling and the energy we as
actors receive from putting on the show.” The showtimes for the play are: April 24, 25, and 30 at 8 p.m., an additional 2 p.m. showing on April 25, May 1 and 2 at 8 p.m., and May 2 at 2 p.m. The location is at CA 135, and tickets
will be available at the Box Office one hour prior to showtime. “People should come see the show because it is light hearted and designed to make people laugh; it is not there to make a specific point about society,” Adcock said.
know her. “One of the teachers in the studio class was like, ‘What are you doing here.’ And after a while they were like, ‘Let me see your work,’” Carballada said. “After a while I just kept coming back into class and they became…mentors.” Carballada had a bachelor’s in science with a minor in art at the time, and her professors suggested she to apply to graduate school. She would go on and
finish her Masters in Fine Arts at Claremont Graduate University in 2011. “Everything’s a stepping stone. It’s a path. For me it was. Coming to school here, going back to school,” Carballada said. “After coming here, I did want to go back to school. I met wonderful people here and I had fun. It really set the stage for graduate school” Although Carballada previously worked in fields that included her art, here at PCC she rekindled her passion and breathed her art. “Well, I find it (art) in everything. I find it cooking and preparing food. I find it in walking out to my car and driving, Carballada said. “I think I’d say that art to me is kind of a mystery. It’s mystical. It’s trying to translate those things that are non-tangible that you really have no words for.” “And I think that’s probably what influences me the most in my art practice. Those ideas of something being mystical and mysterious,” she continued. “How you capture the essence of something you can’t.” Recently, Carballada has returned to school once again. This time not as a student, but a professor. Carballada teaches classes as an adjunct art instructor in the new art building across from the student store. “Teaching was something I didn’t think I’d do… There was more than, ‘I really like this.’
Having a conversation with students about art and how they felt about things and what part of them went in the art,” Carballada said. “They created an expansiveness in the student. It was really profound to me and I was there to guide it and I think that’s what changed my mind about teaching. And here I am, and I’m very happy here.” Many of Carballada’s students reciprocated her enthusiasm. “She’s definitely made it (art) fun. I can talk about art different ways besides ‘blah blah blah.’” said Sage Chavez. Just the ways things look on a piece a paper can look more 3D because of texture and feel.” Cruz Flores, who previously did not enjoy art classes, said she enjoys Carballada’s class. “She’s given me a different perspective,” she said. “I liked art, but I never liked art class. I didn’t like learning it, but she’s taught me that a line isn’t literally just a line and neither is a dot.” When kicked down by life, many stay on the floor, afraid to fall again. However, Carballada picked herself up. “Life is a challenge. My art practice continually challenges me,” Carballada said. “Everything is dualistic in life, there’s a challenge and the rewards you reap when you emerge are so bountiful. And that’s what I experienced here.”
Former student rediscovers art, returns as instructor Alex Chhuon Staff Writer
When asked why she pursued art, Claudia Carballada, a former student and current art professor at PCC, responded, “I just followed my heart.” In between jobs at the time, Carballada described herself as “unhirable” due to injuries to her hand and neck. She previously worked in the art departments
of ad agencies and design firms. Although Carballada could not hold a pencil at the time, she chose to take art classes at PCC. Growing up, Carballada loved to finger paint. That branched into sketching the kids she babysat and designing menus in her free time. Heading into PCC Carballada never expected to take more than a couple classes. However she kept showing up and eventually the art professors got to
Erica Hong/Courier Former PCC student Claudia Carballada currently teaches in the School of Visual, Media and Performing Arts. She finished her MFA at Claremont for Life and Foundation Drawing in 2011.
SPORTS
8 COURIER
Turnovers haunt men’s basketball Daron Grandberry Sports Editor
The Lancers’ men’s basketball team dropped another close home game Wednesday evening, losing 85-82 against East Los Angeles College. The tough defeat drops the Lancers to 11-14 on the season and likely ends the their chances of qualifying for the team’s second consecutive postseason appearance. Once again, the final two minutes of regulation proved to be the Lancers’ nemesis, as PCC was unable to hold on to a sixpoint lead with 2:58 remaining in the second half. “Turnovers killed us tonight,” head coach Michael Swanegan said. “We played like we couldn’t dribble the ball over half court. We gave this game away. We turned the ball over three times in one stretch.” Despite a balanced offensive attack, the Lancers were unable to stay out of foul trouble and could not take care of the ball in the second half, committing 25 total turnovers on the night and allowing ELAC to send the game into overtime tied at 79. “This game was a hard one to lose,” Swanegan said. “When you have games you’re supposed to win you have to win them. This was a game we needed to keep us in playoff contention. The kids played hard, don’t get me wrong they played hard out there but we just had too many turnovers at the wrong time in the game and it killed us.” Five players scored in double figures for the Lancers, led by freshman guard DeJon Williams’ 17 points. Williams also added a game-high nine assists, but a costly entry pass late at the end of regulation allowed the Hus-
Track and field team starts season at Mt. SAC Hannah Gonzales Staff Writer
Daniel Valencia/Courier Lancers center Faruk Oyalade and Donell Tuff block the East Los Angeles Huskies’ Primitivo Gomez’s shot at the Hutto-Patterson Gymnasium on Wednesday.
kies to gain momentum heading into overtime. “We have to make baskets and execute our plays down the stretch,” Willliams said. “We have to be smarter than our opponents. Our bounce passes have to be on point, chest passes and everything has to be on point.” The second half was indicative of the Lancers’ season as they let the victory slip through their hands in the final minutes of regulation. “The kids played hard,”
Swanegan echoed. “For 38 out of 40 minutes I thought we played one of the best games we played all year. Close games, like tonight, we have to be able to finish and we didn’t do that.” Sophomore center Faruk Oyalade recorded one of his best games of his career with 16 points and a game-high 18 rebounds in the defeat. Freshman forward Donell Tuff was efficient on defense with six blocks to go along with 15 points and nine rebounds. Sophomore guard Jonathan Henderson added 15 points,
SOFTBALL
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achieve the goals you want,” she continued. “So that’s why I came back, and that’s why I dropped out of Division I…I wanted to be a part of something that’s before that.” As far as turning the program around, Tantlinger has seen a strong preseason, one of the strongest in recent history. In this turnaround effort, the team lives by the motto “turn some heads,” which they’ve done so far. “We want people to kind of take notice of PCC,” she said. “Like, wherever we go, let’s turn some heads, let’s get people to stop and be like, ‘Wow, that’s Pasadena?’” Looking down the road, Tantlinger would greatly like to see the Lancers win in conference yet she doesn’t want to give a solid yes or no. Anything is possible at this point, and she’d rather take the season on a game-by-game approach. However, this doesn’t mean she has little faith in her athletes, she just
February 12, 2015
Mick Donovan/Courier Coach Monica Tantlinger encourages the team as Michelle Lopez bats and Holly Riker Sloan waits for the catch during practice at Robinson Park on Feb 6.
prefers to focus on the process of getting somewhere before basking in the results or predictions of what could have been. Outside of life on the field, Tantlinger enjoys a healthy dose of competitive spirit, participating in a few half marathons and one full marathon. Claiming her competitiveness is a “kind of a sickness,” even seemingly uncompetitive activities like her bike ride to the field becomes a competition. Keeping track of
her daily times, she constantly tries to break her previous best time just for the sake of competing with herself. With a warm, friendly personality, competitive drive, and knowledge, Tantlinger serves as both a mentor and an inspiration for her athletes. “I’ve had lots of coaches, both male and female, and by far, she is probably the most knowledgeable, the [easiest] to talk to, the most absolute
but was limited to only two in the second half, and freshman guard Keith Langston added 10 points and four rebounds before fouling out late in the game. “We have to stick together as a team,” freshman guard Derrin Jenkins said. “We’re kind of on different pages sometimes at the end and we have to stay on the same page, rotate and talk on defense. We got away from talking at the end and that’s what killed us.” The Lancers travel to play division rivals Mt. SAC next Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 5 p.m. amazing coach,” said freshman catcher Holly Riker-Sloan. “I absolutely love her personality, I love the way she handles situations on and off the field, and how she just kind of is a mentor to each one of us.” Sophomore utility/pitcher Breanna Rodrigo holds similar views of Tantlinger’s personality, noting her enthusiasm. “I’ve never had a coach that has been so passionate about softball and passionate about us,” she said. “She cares about winning, but she really cares about making us better and being able to make us move on past PCC.” Although her players have nothing but positivity for her, and the general response that Tantlinger changed the team around, she’s humble about all the credit people give her, directing said attention to the athletes themselves. “At the end of the day, it’s them,” she said. “I can coach them all I want during practice, but in a game, there’s nothing I can do but give them a sign and they have to execute it.”
The Lancers track and field team started their season with the South Coast Conference Opener hosted by Mt. San Antonio College on Feb. 6. Head coach Armand Crespo was determined to make sure that his athletes, both new and returning, wouldn’t injure themselves so early in the season. “We don’t run these types early in the season because we usually don’t like to sprint the athletes,” said Crespo, talking about the relays. “There’s a chance they might get hurt so normally we put them in long sprint events for endurance.” Despite the Lancers low turnout for the track events, many of them did well in other events. Shua Yang placed fourth in the men’s high jump. Anthony Carter also placed fourth out of 25 opponents in the men’s long jump. The Lancers women did not participate in any of the field events. However, they did have a strong presence on the track with Julia Sambvani placing sixth in the women’s 400-meter dash. “I feel I finished strong,” said Sambvani. “I fell that if I had come out a little faster I could have gotten a better time, but it’s ok.” Kate Manzke also managed to well in both the women’s 1,500-meter run and the women’s 3,000-meter run. “It was a good start for the beginning of the season,” said Manzke. Coach Crespo has high hopes for his athletes. “They look good,” said Crespo. “If we can do well at conference then we can do well later in the season.”
Max Zeronian/Courier Sophomore distance runner Kate Manzke on the bell lap of the women’s 1500 meter race at Mt. SAC on Feb. 6.